System And Method For Tracking And Managing Construction Projects

ABSTRACT

System and methods are described for assisting a contractor in managing information associated with a construction project. The amount of information relating to labor, materials, scheduling and billing and the number of individuals accessing the information can be overwhelmingly large for even a simple construction project. As such, the system and methods described are particularly useful for gathering, maintaining and disseminating the voluminous amount of information associated with a construction project. In one method, a drawing from a construction project is provided that has one or more intelligent objects. Information is then gathered relating to labor, materials and schedules for the project. The information is associated with the respective intelligent object and visually represented on the drawing. The drawing is displayed and certain aspects associated with the intelligent objects can be quickly identified. In addition, reports may be generated that quickly and efficiently organize information according to any number of user selected criteria. In some embodiments, emissive tags, such as RFID tags, associated with construction items are used in the data gathering process.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/192,932, filed Jul. 10, 2002, entitled “System And MethodFor Tracking And Managing Construction Projects,” which is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/777,042, filed Feb. 5, 2001, entitled “System And Method For TrackingAnd Managing Construction Projects,” each of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of contracting,construction and project management, and in particular to the managementof materials, labor, scheduling and billing for a construction project.More specifically, the invention provides both systems and methods forassisting a contractor, supplier and/or project manager in efficientlymanaging and disseminating the information for a construction project.

One important aspect of a contractor's job is the effective managementof an ongoing construction project, which includes the tight control ofthe associated costs. Since a contractor desires to present acompetitive bid while still being able to produce a profit, estimates ofthe costs involved in completing the project need to be closelyestimated. As a result, there is usually little room to deviate from theestimated costs when the work is actually performed.

Another important aspect of a contractor's job is the monitoring of theproject until completion so that adjustments can be quickly made andthere are no surprises at the end of the project. For example, if laborwent unmonitored, the end of the project may bring with it the shockingconclusion that labor far exceeded the budgeted amount. The overrun onlabor would thus affect the bottom line profitability for the project.Similar scenarios could be described for the on-time delivery ofmaterials used in a project. An early warning on material and laborissues can greatly help prevent such surprises that affectprofitability.

Such a task can be challenging because construction management involvesthe gathering and managing of large amounts of information from multiplesources concerning the material delivery, labor costs, scheduling ofevents and billing for an ongoing project. For large projects, theamount of information to capture, track and manage can be overwhelming.

A particularly time consuming aspect of a contractor's job is thegathering of data for a construction project. In a perfect world, datais captured or generated from a single source at a single location.However, a construction project is far from a perfect world. In mostcases, information is captured by various unrelated data captureprograms or generated from a multitude of dissimilar sources. A largenumber of hours can be spent and wasted gathering and organizing theinformation. Since data capture can be such a time consuming endeavor,it expends valuable time that a contractor could spend on other, moreprofitable tasks.

Hence, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods which wouldassist the contractor in gathering, managing, tracking and disseminatingthe voluminous amount of information necessary to control theprofitability of a construction project. It would be further desirableif such systems and methods provided an early indication of areas ofcost concern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A typical construction project has several aspects that must beefficiently handled by the construction project manager to successfullyoversee a project. For example, one aspect is the controlling of costssince cost overruns can significantly affect profitability. Anotheraspect is schedule management. To do his or her job effectively, themanager must be kept apprised of any problems that could potentiallydelay the project, such as labor concerns or material problems. Ifproblems are detected early, measures may be taken to avoid unnecessarydelays. Hence, one goal of construction project managers is to minimizecosts in order to maximize profitability. Another goal is to completethe project in a timely manner without cost overruns and unnecessaryadditional incidental charges.

Another aspect of project management is billing for completed tasks.Costs for a project should be borne by the responsible party. Improperbilling causes costs to be improperly allocated. If a portion of theproject is complete or materials for the project have been received,this cost should be charged to the customer and not borne by the projectfinancier.

To accomplish such tasks, a construction manager must successfullymanage large amounts of information that often accompanies aconstruction project. To this end, the invention provides techniques tomake such information readily accessible, easily portable and clearlydisplayable. Since the information may come from a variety of differentsources and locations, the invention also provides techniques tointegrate the information from multiple sources into a single location.

In one aspect, the invention provides techniques for planning, managingand evaluating large amounts of information often associated with aconstruction project. To accomplish such a task, the invention utilizesan electronic drawing having a number of intelligent objects.Conveniently, each construction item for the project that is shown inthe electronic drawing may function as an intelligent object and haveassociated information. The information and association data are storedon computer readable memory for easy retrieval, such as by selecting theitem with a pointing device. Color coding or other visual indicators maybe used to represent the associated information, thereby allowing for avisual representation of the underlying information. In addition, adetailed description of the associated information may be obtained inuser generated reports.

Information may be associated with intelligent objects in a variety ofways. One aspect of the invention provides the ability to scopeinformation for labor completion and material delivery. For example, anupdate option may be provided for updating labor status. The inventionprovides a labor status menu in response to selecting the labor statusoption, which may be visually represented by an option button or thelike on an electronic drawing. The labor status menu contains aselectable list of various labor tasks. Selecting one of the labor tasksreturns a drop down pick list. The drop-down pick list specifies, inresponse to user input, the location of the completed labor for thechosen labor task. In addition, further drop-down menus may be providedin response to selecting items from the pick list. The additionaldrop-down menus provide for the entry of an even greater level ofspecificity regarding the location of the completed labor for the chosenlabor task. Similar steps may be carried out for updating materialdelivery.

Once information is entered into the drop down pick lists and menus, theprocessor automatically updates the stored completion information forthe selected scope. The stored information may then be used to flag theappropriate intelligent item(s) on the associated electronic drawing. Inaddition, for a labor status update, the processor automatically creditsthe estimated labor for the appropriate intelligent item(s)corresponding to a completed labor task.

There are many different types of information associated with aconstruction project that the invention is capable of processing. Forexample, such information may include labor information, materialinformation, scheduling information, billing information, and the like.Having such information readily available from an electronic drawingallows for a quick and easy determination of the status of displayedconstruction items through a visual assessment. More specifically, theintelligent objects in the electronic drawing of the invention may befurther broken down and analyzed according to specific information suchas labor, material, scheduling and billing.

The project manager may generate a vast number of reports thatillustrate the visually depicted information as shown, but provide agreater amount of detailed information in written form. Instead ofproviding the information in a random fashion, the invention providesnumerous filters a project manager can utilize to extract and presentthe essential information he or she wishes to view in the reports. Suchreport filters include a particular drawing, floor, system, area orgrouping of construction items to name a few. For example, the filtersmay provide a project manager with accurate and up-to-date informationregarding areas that are scheduled for completion, as well as areas thathave been completed.

Since the amount of information for any particular category can be quitelarge, the invention provides the option of breaking the invention intoone or more modules for administering the various information associatedwith a construction project. For example, a labor module may be providedfor labor information and a material module may be provided for materialinformation. Each module is integrated with the electronic drawing, andtherefore, the information associated with each intelligent object isstored and may be provided on demand.

In one aspect of the invention, labor tracking is provided fororganizing the labor associated with various construction items. Forexample, estimated labor is received and stored by a labor module.Estimated labor may be based upon historical data, but may be manuallyor electronically entered based upon a bid or estimate. The term bid maybe used interchangeably with the term estimate within the following thecontext of the following description. The labor tracking of theinvention provides techniques for storing the estimated laborinformation and for associating the information with the variousconstruction items.

The invention allows for a contractor to enter labor status informationinto a drop-down pick list or enter labor status information into apersonal digital assistant (PDA) or other type of computer that containsa visual depiction of the drawing. In this way, the contractor may enterstatus information into a pick list or walk around the construction siteand enter information into a PDA regarding installed items based upon avisual inspection. As one skilled in the art can appreciate, any methodfor capturing information may be used without departing from theintended scope of the invention. For example, a contractor may record aninformation log or check off information from a hard copy of the drawingand still achieve the same results. Periodically, actual labor iscaptured and entered into the labor module. The invention creditsestimated labor information and associates the actual labor informationwith the various construction items based on the completion status ofmaterial installation. The processor stores the status information in acomputer readable memory. Further, items on the drawing may be flagged,such as with a different color, based on the installation status. Onceboth actual labor is captured and estimated labor is credited, reportsmay be generated for a wide variety of comparisons.

In another aspect of the invention, material tracking is provided formonitoring the delivery of materials for the construction project. Forexample, material information relating to the type of item to beinstalled is received and stored by a module. The invention thereafterprovides techniques for conveniently tracking the material from orderingthrough receipt and billing. The processor then updates the information,which is reflected in the electronic drawing. A quick visual inspectionof the electronic drawing provides simple and up-to-date informationregarding material ordering and delivery status.

In yet another aspect of the invention, schedule tracking is providedfor allocating labor and materials in response to start dates andcompletion dates. At the beginning of a construction project, dates aretentatively set for the completion of various phases of the constructionproject. This information is entered into the scheduling module. Thesedates are highly volatile since the smallest of delays can result insignificant changes in scheduled dates. For example, if materials arelate to the job site for a particular area, the labor is affected forthat area in addition to the labor required for installing the materialsin the area. The schedule tracking of the present invention providestechniques for recognizing problems (for example, late materialsshipments and labor shortages) and automatically updating any schedulinginformation in response to any delays.

In still another aspect of the invention, a billing module is providedfor billing the completed portions of the project. Since the modules areintegrated, the billing module is able to bill the customer for itemssuch as material received, labor completed, material installed and thelike. A user selects individual construction items or groups ofconstruction items on the electronic drawing for billing. Since the costfor the items to be billed is known from the original bid or estimate, abill is automatically generated. It is not necessary to visually inspectthe construction site to determine what portion of the project iscomplete for purposes of billing the project. The billing module canautomatically generate the bill based upon information entered intoother modules. In addition, the electronic drawing can visuallyrepresent the billing status which has been billed to the project.

The data gathering, application integration and data presentation of theinvention may utilize multiple computers and multiple data gatheringdevices operating in a networked environment, such as the Internet, toshare the information and results with multiple users. The inventiontherefore provides the capability for several individuals to work atmultiple remote sites while remaining interconnected through a network,which may make use of cellular or satellite technology. However, it maybe advantageous to utilize a single computer operating at a singlelocation. In either case, it may be possible to gather the data anddisplay it in real time, which allows for on-the-fly changes to theproject, as well as a quick review and analysis of the results.

The invention therefore provides a comprehensive software package thatintegrates several modules allowing for the manipulation andpresentation of information gathered from several sources. The softwareof the invention controls costs, provides scheduling features andfacilitates billing in such a way that many of the concerns of a projectmanager are far more manageable. While most software packages strugglewith integrating and presenting similar types of information fromseveral sources, the present invention conveniently provides anitem-by-item breakdown allowing for detailed analysis that is unmatchedby anything currently available in the construction industry.

In some embodiments of the present invention, emissive tags, such asRFID tags (radio frequency identification tags), that emitcomputer-readable signals are used to identify and track constructionitems. In some of these embodiments the tags are read/write tags, whichmay receive information from workers, managers, manufacturers, and thelike. The information may be retrieved during an information gatheringprocess, which may be, for example, a construction area walk through, amaterial receiving inspection, a warehouse inventory inspection, and thelike. The information may include a unique identifier, an installedstatus, estimated labor to install the item, actual labor to install theitem, the location where the item is or is to be installed, the drawinglocations for the item, and the like. The information may be gatheredthrough a wireless connection to a reader, such as an RFID reader, andloaded into the processor of the present invention for use with otherconstruction project management functions of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a typical input device of an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 1( a) depicts an exemplary hand-held computer in which embodimentsof the invention may be implemented.

FIG. 2 illustrates tag information associated with an intelligentobject.

FIG. 2( a) illustrates material control tag information associated withan intelligent object.

FIG. 2( b) illustrates labor control tag information associated with anintelligent object.

FIG. 2( c) illustrates schedule tag information associated with anintelligent object.

FIG. 2( d) illustrates billing tag information associated with anintelligent object.

FIG. 2( e) illustrates a construction item having an emissive tag, andthe associated reader and writer.

FIG. 3 illustrates a typical CAD drawing according to the presentinvention that displays associated tag information using color coding.

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical labor control drawing in accordance withthe present invention that is color coded with flagged task identifiersthat display the labor status for various intelligent objects.

FIG. 4( a) illustrates various drop down menus that provide userselectable options for labor completion that are displayed in responseto selecting a scoping option from an electronic drawing.

FIG. 5 is a screen print of a report screen for providing status byscope and filter for labor information.

FIG. 6 illustrates a typical material control drawing in accordance withthe present invention that is color coded with flagged task identifiersthat graphically display the material status for various intelligentobjects.

FIG. 6( a) illustrates various drop down menus that provide userselectable options for various material status conditions that aredisplayed in response to selecting a scoping option from an electronicdrawing.

FIG. 7 is a screen print of a report screen for providing status byscope and filter for material information.

FIG. 8 illustrates a typical schedule control drawing in accordance withthe present invention that is color coded with flagged task identifiersthat graphically display the schedule status for various intelligentobjects.

FIG. 9 is a screen print of a report screen for providing status byscope and filter for scheduling information.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The invention provides exemplary systems and methods that provide aconstruction site manager with the necessary tools to gather, manage anddisseminate large amounts of information accompanying a constructionproject, including but not limited to labor, materials, scheduling andbilling. The invention allows for the gathering of information from oneor more data sources and/or one or more applications and thereafterproducing both visual representations as well as printable reportsshowing the current status of various components of the constructionproject. Since the invention may be implemented in a networkenvironment, the information, reports and status can be disseminated toone or more users. The information may be displayed such that themanager can readily determine the status of many different areas of theproject, including the current material and labor status as well as thecurrent and projected schedule. The term manager as used herein mayrefer to anyone with responsibilities regarding a construction projectincluding, but in no way limited to, an owner, architect, engineer,contractor or project manager to name a few.

Although the invention is described herein using plumbing, specificallyheating and cooling pipe runs, it will be appreciated that the inventionmay be used to provide construction management for a wide variety ofitems, including concrete, structural steel, walls, flooring, ceiling,piping, electrical, ductwork, glass, fixtures and the like. However, forconvenience of discussion, the invention will be described in connectionwith heating and cooling pipe work. It should be appreciated that theinvention is in no way intended to be limited as such.

There are numerous configurations for implementing the presentinvention. In one embodiment, the invention is implemented using acomputer having computer readable memory, an entry device and aprocessor. The processor stores an electronic drawing in computerreadable memory. In one embodiment, the electronic drawing may be a CADdrawing generated by any drawing package that can be adapted to receiveassociated intelligent objects, such as QuickPen Designer 3-D CADmanufactured and sold by QuickPen International, Inc. The electronicdrawing is integrated with an estimating system, such as the AutoBidestimating system manufactured and sold by QuickPen International, Inc.More specifically, but not limited as such, the computer can be anycomputer such as a fixed PC, a portable PC, a hand-held computer, awearable computer, a PDA, a bar code scanner or similar device.

In addition to operating as a single stand alone computer, the inventionmay be implemented in a network environment. For example, one locationmay serve as the central processor for storing the electronic drawingsand the associated information. Several computers may access andcommunicate with the central processor, either through the Internet, anintranet or similar networking configuration allowing for multipleaccess points to the electronic drawings and associated information. Inaddition, a computer may access and communicate with the centralprocessor using cellular or satellite technology. Therefore, theinformation may be updated and the drawing can be viewed from multiplelocations.

There are many different software packages that may be used inconjunction with the present invention. As such, the present inventionprovides the flexibility to integrate with accounting software packages,estimating systems, labor/billing packages and/or data capture softwarepackages. Advantageously, this flexibility allows the present inventionto be used with many software packages with little modification oneither end.

The present invention may acquire information from multiple sources. Forexample, information may be obtained from procurement applications,labor gathering devices, manual input, bar-coding of items or groups ofitems, or the like. Since the information may be gathered from multiplesources, the ability to integrate the information into a single locationis a particular advantage of the present invention.

In a basic form, the present invention provides an electronic drawingwith associated construction items. Each construction item graphicallyrepresents a single component for a construction project. For any givenconstruction project, there may be a single electronic drawing or up toseveral hundred electronic drawings showing all the construction itemsto be installed. As one skilled in the art can appreciate, each drawingmay depict a single construction item or several hundred constructionitems. In one embodiment, the electronic drawing may be a CAD drawing,but other types of electronic drawings may be used without departingfrom the intended scope of the invention.

A construction project and the accompanying electronic drawings can beorganized and divided according to the particular needs of theconstruction project. Typically, the project is broken down into aseries of drawings that represent the individual floors or floor plans.If greater detail is desired, the drawings for the individual floors canthen be broken down into areas or zones within the floor. If evengreater detail is preferred, the drawings may be broken down evenfurther into individual components, which are the individualconstruction items. The present invention provides the necessarytechniques for a level of detail ranging from a top level drawingindividual floor or floor plans all the way down to an individualcomponent drawing.

Unlike currently available electronic drawings, there may be severalcategories of user defined information associated with each constructionitem that can be stored in computer memory and retrieved on demand.According to the present invention, creating an association withdetailed construction information transforms a simple construction iteminto an intelligent object. Therefore, the present invention providesmethods and techniques for creating intelligent objects usingconstruction items in a computer drawing. Each construction item doesnot lose any of its original qualities. Instead, the transformationprovides additional information that makes it more useful to aconstruction project manager.

One particular advantage of the invention is the utilization ofintelligent objects that provide detailed information about the item,such as estimated and actual labor, material delivery status, schedulingand the like. Such detailed information can provide an early warning ofpossible cost overruns and scheduling issues. As such, the projectmanager can possibly avoid unnecessary expenses or allocate costs to theproper individual(s) or organization responsible for the additionalcosts. For example, the detailed information can provide the underlyingdocumentation to back a claim against a distributor that negligentlycreated an unnecessary delay.

A construction manager can utilize intelligent objects to helpefficiently direct a construction project thereby maximizingprofitability. Since a click of an entry device at a single location canprovide the manager with a wide variety of information, the manager doesnot have to take the time to personally extract the information frommultiple sources. The information only has to be captured once before itcan be disseminated to multiple locations and used in a variety ofdifferent ways. Moreover, the manager can manipulate and categorize theinformation quickly such that the resulting screen display or reportprovides an efficient use of the manager's valuable time. Therefore, themanager does not waste time gathering information since the collectionof the information is preformed by a computer processor.

Another particular advantage of the present invention is the ability toscope both labor task completion status and material delivery statusfrom a selectable option. A drop-down pick list is generated in responseto updating either a labor task or a material status. The area of theupdate is entered into the pick list. The intelligence of the processorsearches for the construction items located within the designated areaentered into the pick list. The processor then automatically updates thestatus of the construction items in the defined area.

A contractor may enter the installation status for a particular labortask, which aids in the crediting of estimated labor to the project andallocation of actual labor data to the various construction items. Forexample, a contractor may enter status information into the pick list asdescribed above or carry a PDA with a visual depiction of the computerdrawing and associated intelligent objects. The contractor may then walkaround the job site and visually inspect the items that have beeninstalled. The PDA may be used to capture such information and store itin memory. In another embodiment, the contractor may use a reader tocapture the information from an emissive tag, such as a RFID tag (RadioFrequency Identification tag), associated with each item. The processormay then acquire the information from the PDA or reader and update thestored information accordingly. As one skilled in the art canappreciate, a contractor may acquire material status information fromother sources including but not limited to, capturing installed items onvideo, photographing installed items and manually entering, verballycalling out installed items and the like.

Another particular advantage of the present invention is the ability toallocate actual labor to the construction project and thereafter compareactual labor against estimated labor. Estimated labor information may beacquired from an estimating system. The information is usually basedupon either an estimate or bid for a project or historical data in adatabase. This information is either acquired automatically or enteredmanually and subsequently stored in computer memory.

Actual labor data for the project may be either acquired directly fromthe field using a worker's time card or extracted from an accountingpackage. In one embodiment, a construction worker enters hours workedand the area worked at the end of a work day. It is unnecessary for theworker to allocate hours to a particular task. Instead, the workersimply enters the number of hours worked and the location worked, e.g.the second floor. Then, the labor information is transferred to a jobcost program, which is typically an accounting software package. In oneembodiment, instead of a traditional time card, a bar coded electronictime card may be used to automatically capture actual labor hours from aconstruction worker. The bar coding on the time card is associated witha particular task or area. The electronic time card thereforeautomatically breaks the hours worked into the area or task. The workersimply enters his or her hours on the proper electronic time card for anarea or task, and the time card automatically allocates the hours to thearea or task. In another embodiment, labor is captured in the field andadded to a FieldTrac Module manufactured and sold by QuickPenInternational, Inc. Data may also be acquired from an accounting programand downloaded into a FieldTrac Module to achieve the same result. Inyet another embodiment, labor may be entered into a read/write emissivetag associated with construction items and read automatically using areader, as mentioned above.

Actual labor data for the project may be allocated to the constructionproject in a number of different ways. In one embodiment, the presentinvention extracts the actual labor information from a job cost programand allocates the actual labor information to the various job componentsbased upon the material installation status. For example, if thecontractor has indicated that certain hangers on the second floor havebeen installed in a given week, all of the labor allocated to that floorfor the week is associated with hanger installation. Such an arrangementeliminates the need for detailed task codes that are currently used inmost accounting programs.

Once the labor information is entered into the system, the processorflags the intelligent objects with visual indicators, such as colorcoding, which visually represent underlying status information. Sincethe visual indicators are easy to understand, a manager may quicklyanalyze the labor status information on the electronic drawing. If sodesired, the manager may define a subset of a job for the generation ofa report that provides greater detail.

Still another advantage of the present invention is the ability tomonitor and track materials used for a construction project. Similar tolabor information, material information may be acquired from anestimator program, CAD or purchasing program or a pricing service. Thisinformation is also stored in computer memory.

Materials may then be ordered and tracked once the underlyinginformation for a construction item is entered into the system. Acomputer drawing displays the current material status using visualindicators. If so desired, the user may select a single constructionitem or a group of construction items for ordering. In response, theorder is automatically sent to one or more suppliers or fabricators withthe accompanying information such as part number and bar code number toname a few.

Once a shipment is received at the job site, the status of the shipmentmay be further tracked. For example, the recipient may conveniently scanthe items using a hand-held bar code scanner. The information scannedinto a hand-held scanner can be downloaded into computer memory. Sincethe bar code information is associated with a construction item, thecomputer can determine which items have been received and updateaccordingly. In addition, the computer can determine, track and updatedamaged items, backordered items or incomplete shipments to name a few.In another example, the material status update is entered into a picklist as described earlier. The status of the material and thecorresponding location for installation are entered and automaticallyupdated by the processor. In yet another embodiment, emissive tags maybe used to acquire more detailed information than a bar code scanner.However, as one skilled in the art can appreciate, other arrangementsmay be used instead of a bar code scanner or emissive tag reader withoutdeparting from the intended scope and coverage of the invention, such asvisual inspection, manual entry or the like.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability toautomatically update scheduling information in response to changes inmaterial and labor information. In response to labor and materialissues, the processor can automatically update installation datesaccordingly. For example, if a material shipment is delayed andtherefore unavailable for a particular area, then labor is unnecessaryfor that part of the job and can be directed elsewhere. The installationdate associated with the area effected would then be updated to reflectthe change in status. In addition, scheduling can also prioritize andallocate incomplete material shipments. For example, if ten valves wereordered and only eight were received, the scheduler could prioritizewhere the eight valves should be allocated according to currentscheduling information and available labor information. In any case, theelectronic drawing reflects the current status of the installation. Thisinformation can be entered into a report based upon dates, areas, taskcodes and construction items to name a few.

Referring now to the drawings, the systems and methods of the inventionwill now be described in greater detail. FIG. 1 illustrates one possiblesystem of associated components for implementing the present invention.The present invention, which also may be referred to herein as a FieldTrack system 1, may be coupled to a CAD system 3 and/or an estimatingsoftware package 2. Either CAD system 3 or estimating software package 2may exchange data with Field Track system 1. In addition, a wirelesscomputer 6 may be used to input data to Field Track system 1. CAD system3 and estimating software package 2 may also be coupled to each other tofacilitate the exchange of data. As illustrated, data may also beexchanged between Field Track system 1 and time card input 5 and/oraccounting software package 4. As shown in expanded window 7, severalpossible approaches for displaying the data from Field Track system 1include, but are in no way limited to, a laptop computer 8, a monitor 9or a color coded drawing 11. It should be appreciated by one skilled inthe art that some or all of the above referenced components may beconnected via a LAN, WAN, wireless, web/ASP or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1( a), an example of a flat screen computer system10 used to input information and execute software of an embodiment ofthe present invention will be described. Computer system 10 may includea screen 12 and input controls 14. Computer system 10 is illustrated asportable, which allows for ease of use in the field. Computer system 10may also be fitted with an antenna for wireless communication, which isnot shown in FIG. 1.

Computer system 10 as shown in FIG. 1( a) is but one example of acomputer system suitable for use with the present invention. Otherconfigurations suitable for use with the present invention, such as apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a hand-held computer, a bar codescanner, an emissive tag reader 44 (FIG. 1), or the like will be readilyapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Suitable configurationsmay be adaptable for use in a wireless or satellite environment.

As stated previously, one embodiment of the invention utilizes acomputer drawing having intelligent objects. The computer drawing can beany computer drawing sufficient to display construction items, includinga CAD drawing, a CAD/CAM drawing, or any drawing from a softwarepackage. The present invention provides the capability for enhancingeach object in a drawing by creating a more intelligent object byassociating tag information.

FIGS. 2, 2(a), 2(b), 2(c), 2(d), and 2(e) show an example of anintelligent object with associated tag information. For purposes ofexplanation, the invention is described in terms of a 6″ Nibco GateValve 30. However, it will be appreciated that each item of a drawingmay have similar tag information. In some embodiments, an emissive tag31 (FIG. 2( e)) is associated with each item. As shown in chart 32, theuser may assign many unique characteristics to the intelligent object.For example, object 30 is assigned a model number and associated barcode for material tracking purposes. Also shown are the system, area andthe drawing identifiers for the item, which in the illustrated exampleare chill water (CHW), mechanical equipment (Mech Equip) and drawingM-34-B respectively.

The tag information also includes drill down information, in this casematerial control 34, labor control 36, schedule 38 and billing 40. Taginformation is by its very nature user defined, so it can be enteredmanually or it can also be obtained automatically.

Material control information 34 contains, among other things, thecurrent status of the intelligent object. In the illustrated example,object 30 is on back order. If the drawing were displayed and this partwas in the drawing, it would be shown having a status identifierindicating the part was on back order. A manager can therefore quicklyscan the drawing to immediately determine the respective status of theparts based upon the status identifier, which in the case of theillustrated embodiment is a highlight color.

Labor control information contains both the estimated labor unit, whichis often obtained from an estimating program, and the work in place(WIP) for intelligent object 30, which in the illustrated example are4.34 hours and 3.96 hours respectively. If this part was illustrated onthe drawing according to labor, the respective labor task identifierwould reflect the fact that it has completed the joint make up point ofthe process.

The invention is described hereinafter in terms of a CAD drawingintegrated with an estimating system having intelligent objects thatprovide both displayable and printable information relating to theassociated items, either individually or as groups. It should be readilyapparent from the description that an estimating system may also be anintegral part of a CAD drawing. Such information may include, but is notlimited to, estimated and actual labor data, estimated and actualmaterial data, current status information, completion information,scheduling information and the like. As one skilled in the art canappreciate, the invention is not limited to an electronic drawingintegrated with an estimating system. For example, the invention couldbe embodied in an estimating system having a graphical takeoff withintelligent objects.

As mentioned previously, emissive tags may be associated with each item.Emissive tags are well known, one example of which is RFID tags. RFIDtags emit radio frequency signals that represent certain information.RFID tags are more fully explained in AIM WP-98/002R, “RADIO FREQUENCYIDENTIFICATION—RFID A BASIC PRIMER,” published on Sep. 28, 1999, byAutomatic Identification Manufacturers—AIM, athttp://www.aimglobal.org/technologies/rfid/resources/papers/rfid_basics_primer.htm, which paper is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.Other emissive tags may emit other signals, such as microwave, infrared,and the like, which represent the information. In some embodiments, theinformation is merely a unique identification number, much like a barcode number, that may be associated with the tagged item. In otherembodiments, the information includes more detailed information, as willbe explained. However, unlike a bar code that must be scanned, emissivetag information may be read from greater distances, and emissive taginformation may be read from many emissive tags simultaneously. Forexample, a contractor may be able to simply enter a work area, such asduring a site walk-through, and instantly read emissive tag informationfrom all emissive tags in the area at once. Such techniques also may beused to read the entire content of a delivery. Readers also may bepositioned at key locations, such as a receiving dock or warehouse exit,to passively monitor the location status of construction items. FIG. 2(e) illustrates one possible arrangement for using emissive tagsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2( e) illustrates the gate valve 30 and an emissive tag 31. Anemissive tag reader 42 reads information for one or more emissive tags31 through a wireless connection. The information then may betransferred, via an interface 44, to the wireless computer 6 or directlyto the Field Track system 1, for example. The information then may beused throughout the Field Track system 1 to provide project managementinformation. For example, if the gate valve 30 is installed, theemissive tag 31 may be read by the reader 42 in a “read installed items”mode. Thereafter, the information is transferred to the Field Tracksystem 1. The gate valve 30 also may appear having a particular color inan electronic or paper drawing that indicates the item is installed. Acontractor may then access the material control information 34, byselecting the item. An “installation status” field (not shown) wouldindicate that the item is installed. Other examples are explained below.

Emissive tags may include read/write memory, while other emissive tagsinclude read only memory. Some emissive tags only emit signals uponinterrogation, while others have power sources, allowing the emissivetag to continuously emit the stored information. Some emissive tags usepower emitted from the reader to, in turn, cause the emission ofinformation from the tag. Further, certain emissive tags, in particular,powered RFID tags, emit signals that may be read from great distances.For example, some emissive tags may be read in transit, in which casethe emissive tag may be coupled with a positioning system, such as aGlobal Positioning System (GPS), that allows the exact position of anyitem to be known. Thus, in some embodiments, emissive tags allow an itemto be tracked from manufacture, through shipping, to final installationand beyond. All are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2( e) also illustrates an emissive tag writer 46 that may be usedby a contractor, a worker, a manufacturer, or the like, to loadinformation into a read/write emissive tag. In these embodiments, thereader 42 may gather even more detailed information relating to theitem. For example, emissive tags may be loaded with any or all of theitem tag information discussed herein. Emissive tags may be loaded withinformation relating to the location where the tagged item is to beinstalled. Emissive tags also may be loaded with information relating tothe drawing or drawings upon which the construction item appears. Inanother example, the estimated labor, cost, and schedule information maybe loaded into the emissive tag. Additionally, actual installation labormay be loaded into the emissive tag as a construction item is installed.Emissive tags may include additional item status information thatindicates, for example, whether the item has been tested and even thetest results. In such embodiments, the contractor may use the reader 42to read the information into memory associated with the reader. Theinformation then may be loaded into the Field Track system 1 and used aspreviously described. Many other uses of emissive tags according to thepresent invention are apparent to those skilled in the art in light ofthis description. Thus, the foregoing examples are not to be consideredlimited to RFID tags.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a specific example of a CAD drawing 48 withseveral intelligent objects 54 having associated tag information inaccordance with the present invention is illustrated. In the illustratedexample, labor information is shown for a pipe run. The intelligentobjects contained in the drawing are given task identifiers, or colorcoding, (which for convenience of illustration are shown as differentshading) according to their present completion status. For example, item54, illustrated as unshaded, reflects construction item(s) that havereached the tested stage. Legend 50 illustrates a sample color schemefor the task identifiers that reflect the completion status with respectto labor control. These may include, for example, a yellow color forhighlighting items that are in place and a blue color for highlightingitems that are tested. Pointer 52 may be manipulated by a user to pointand click on individual intelligent items or draw a box around a groupof intelligent items to flag the items.

Labor status update button 56 allows a user to update the completionstatus for the labor tasks associated with the illustrated intelligentobjects. In the illustrated example, selecting button 56 generates alabor status menu for selecting and updating the completion status ofthe construction items for the various labor tasks illustrated in legend50. In a like manner, material status update button 58 allows a user toupdate the material status, scheduling button 60 allows a user tomanipulate scheduling information and billing button 62 allows a user tomanipulate billing information.

In FIG. 3, drawing 48 is a CAD drawing. However, any electronic drawingthat can be manipulated may be used. In use, the intelligent objects areassociated with tag data. Tag data may include, but is not limited to,labor information, material information and scheduling information,where scheduling information may be an estimated start date and anestimated completion date. Tag data may be automatically obtained orentered manually. The associated tag data is stored on a computer usablemedium such as a server or database for future use.

To display the data, the user selects a portion of the drawing. To doso, the user may double click on a single intelligent item, drop down apick list, draw a box around several intelligent items, click on abeginning point and an ending point or the like. A group of severalintelligent items is referred to herein as a labor task group. The dataassociated with the selected intelligent object or objects aredisplayed.

Labor Tracking

The present invention provides labor tracking for organizing andmonitoring the labor associated with various construction items. Forexample, estimated labor is received and stored by a labor module.Estimated labor may be based upon historical data received from anestimating software package, or it may be manually entered based upon anaccepted bid or contract. The labor module of the invention providestechniques for storing the estimated labor information and also forassociating the information with the various construction items.

A contractor may then update a labor task status for the project, whichaids in the allocation of actual labor data and crediting of estimatedlabor for the various construction items. Typically, the various stagesof labor are grouped and categorized according to labor tasks. Labortasks divide a general labor event into specific tasks, which may startat material receipt and proceed to final inspection. Examples ofspecific tasks include labor events such as receiving an item,installing an item or testing the item to name a few. Since labor tasksare more detailed, they provide a more manageable way to handle laborstatus information as well as present more useful information thansimple start and stop information.

In one embodiment, a contractor may enter information into a drop-downpick list to update labor task status. A contractor begins by selectinga labor task from a labor status menu. The selection of a labor taskgenerates a drop-down pick list. The drop-down pick list displays thefiltering options available to further specify the identity and locationof a completed labor task. In other words, the filtering options definethe respective area of the completed labor tasks. Once the contractorhas defined the area, and specified which labor task(s) are complete,the invention automatically updates the information associated with therespective intelligent object(s). In response, the electronic drawing isupdated showing the current status for the flagged items. Estimatedlabor for the completed labor task(s) are also credited to theconstruction project.

In another embodiment, a contractor may have a PDA with a visualdepiction of the computer drawing and associated intelligent objects. Inthis way, the contractor may walk around the job site and visuallyinspect the items that have been installed. The PDA may be used tocapture such information and store it in memory. The processor may thenacquire the information from the PDA and update the stored informationaccordingly.

As mentioned previously, the contractor also may determine installationstatus information, using the reader 42, from emissive tags associatedwith items. Such information may include the actual labor used toinstall each item. For example, in embodiments having read-only emissivetags, an intelligent reader may determine the installation status of anitem by determining the item's elevation. For example, items locatedabove a certain elevation may be assumed to be installed. In embodimentshaving a positioning system coupled with the emissive tag, the item'selevation may be included in the information emitted by the emissivetag. Further still, in embodiments having read/write emissive tags,actual labor information, as well as the installation status of theitem, may be read from the emissive tag. Many other examples arepossible.

Periodically, actual labor is captured and entered into the labormodule. The data capture of actual labor may be done automatically ormanually. Typically, a construction worker enters hours worked and thearea worked at the end of a work day. It is unnecessary for the workerto allocate hours to a particular task. In response, the presentinvention allocates the entered actual labor information to the variousjob components based upon the labor installation status entered into thedrop-down pick lists or captured from the PDA. The module thereafterassociates the actual labor information with the various constructionitems and stores the information on computer readable memory. As an itemor groups of items are installed, workers may use the writer 46 to enterinformation, such as actual labor information, into an emissive tag.

Once both actual labor and estimated labor are entered into the module,reports may be generated for a wide variety of comparisons. In addition,the electronic drawing displays graphical indicators that represent thelabor status for the various construction items. A construction managercan quickly analyze the current labor status of the project.

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical labor control drawing 101 having severalconstruction items 100 (in the form of intelligent objects) inaccordance with an example of a labor module of the present invention.The drawing is shown as being color (or shaded) coded with flagged taskidentifiers to display the labor status for various intelligent objects.In the illustrated embodiment, the legend for the task identifiers 110is in the lower right hand corner. Legend 110 quickly gives a user thenecessary information to associate the color (or shade) with a laborstatus for an intelligent object 100. The ability to quickly evaluatelabor is important for the construction project manager.

FIG. 4( a) shows a labor status menu 102 listing various labor tasks.Typically, labor status menu 102 is generated in response to selecting alabor status option from labor control drawing 101. In one embodiment,the labor status option is an intelligent button 103, shown in FIG. 4,that displays the labor status menu 102 in response to a user selection.Labor status menu 102 lists a labor status task list 104 with acorresponding selection means 109, such as an intelligent button or thelike. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4( a), six labor task optionsare shown. Continuing with the illustrated example, the contractorselects one of the six options when the labor is completed for a labortask.

FIG. 4( a) illustrates drop-down pick list 105 displayed in response toa contractor selecting a task listed in labor task list 104 from laborstatus menu 102. Drop-down pick list 105 allows the contractor topin-point the exact location of the completed labor task(s). Pick list105 provides a “filter by” option to identify the general location ofthe completed labor task. In the illustrated example, a user may selecta location such as a drawing, floor, line, system or zone to name a few.One or more filtering options may be selected.

Continuing, FIG. 4( a) illustrates a second menu 106 generated inresponse to a contractor choosing a “filter by” option from drop-downpick list 105. The second menu further specifies and defines the “filterby” choice from drop-down pick list 105. In the illustrated example, thegeneral location “drawing” is chosen from pick list 105. In response,second menu 106 requests entry of the specific drawing location for thecompleted labor task.

As shown in FIG. 4( a), a second menu 107, 108 may be generated anddisplayed for each “filter by” option selected from drop-down pick list105. The general location “system” is selected from pick list 105.Second menu 107 requests entry of the specific system for the completedlabor. Continuing, the general location “zone” is selected from picklist 105. In response, second menu 108 is generated requesting entry ofthe particular zone for the completed labor information. In accordancewith the present invention, more than one “filter by” option may beselected and further scoped to accurately specify and delineate thelocation of the completed labor task(s).

For example, assume the contractor has determined that hangers areinstalled on the drawing M1 for the chill water system in the mechanicalroom. The contractor first selects the hanger option from labor statusmenu 105. Next, the contractor defines the area where the hangers areinstalled. For the current example, the contractor selects drawing,system and zone from the drop-down pick list. In response, a second menuis displayed for each selection in status menu 105. The contractorselects drawing M1, CHW (chill water) and Mech Room (mechanical room)from the corresponding second menu options. When the contractor issatisfied the designated area is properly defined using selection statusmenu 105, the processor updates the association data. In this case, theprocessor searches and locates all hangers in this defined area andupdates the intelligent objects to indicate they are installed. Theidentifiers on the electronic drawing are updated accordingly as well ascrediting the estimated hours to the project.

Continuing with the example, assume further that the invention extracts100 actual labor hours from a job cost program and associates theextracted 100 hours with the installation of the hangers on drawing M1for the chill water system in the mechanical room. Moreover, assume forpurposes of this example that the number of estimated hours for theinstallation of the same hangers was 110 hours. Since the processor hasidentified all the hangers associated with the defined area and flaggedthem as complete with respect to labor, the 110 hours of estimated laborbecomes 110 hours of credited labor. Credited labor hours will alwaysequal estimated labor hours for a labor task(s) that is flagged in anarea or zone as complete. In this example, the flagged area has used 100hours of actual labor for a job that has allocated 110 hours ofestimated labor (which is 110 credited labor hours since the labor iscomplete). The manager is pleased since the job was over estimated by 10hours, which in this limited example represents 10 hours of additionalprofit.

It should be noted that this type of information can be used tostructure and adjust future bids and also to update data in anestimating system database. For example, if subsequent jobs continue tocome in several hours over the bid amount for the installation ofhangers, the existing estimating data can be modified to reflect thiscontinued differential. This improved data would then be saved forfuture bids. As a result, subsequent bids after the update would becloser to the mark with respect to labor for installation of hangers.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of how various reports relating to labormay be generated for the items displayed in FIG. 4. The reports may begenerated using a graphical user interface 120 having various places toenter data and specify parameters. The user is given various choices tofurther narrow how the report is displayed. For example, a scope region170 is provided to permit by a user to designate a drawing number, aroom, a particular grouping of construction items or the like. An itemfilter region 180 may be used to show all items or any chosen subset ofitems. A report filter region 150 may be used to indicate the type ofreport the user wishes to generate. In the illustrated example, a userhas chosen to illustrate a comparison of actual labor to estimatedlabor, however, any number of report filters can be used, including butnot limited to drawing, floor, line, symbol, system, trade or zone toname a few.

TABLE 1 Labor Report Reporting Date: 6/24/2000 Scope: Drawing M-2: CHW:Mech Rm Item Filter: All Report Filter: Estimated To Actual EstimatedCredited Actual Hours % TASK Hours Hours Hours Ov/Un Ov/Un Material 9797 86 −11 −13% Distribution Item in Place 302 218 256 38 15% Joint MakeUp 195 167 178 11 6% Test 19 0 0 0 Punch and I.D. 32 0 0 0 Total 645 482520 38 7%

Table 1 illustrates one example of a labor report generated by a user.The user has selected a particular report filter for comparing actuallabor to estimated labor. In addition, the user has specified a scope ofdrawing M-2, chill water piping (CHW) and the mechanical room (Mech Rm).The scope may be used to narrow or expand the location of theintelligent objects the user wishes to view in a report.

Estimated hours are displayed in column 2 of Table 1 for the variousTasks in column 1. The estimated labor hours may be capturedautomatically from an estimating program, however, they may be obtainedelsewhere. As shown, actual hours are displayed in column 4 of Table 1for the various Tasks in column 1. Actual hours may be manually enteredinto the system or they may be obtained from another information source.For example, actual hours may be manually entered from time cards orautomatically obtained from an accounting program or an electronic timecard module. Credited hours shown in column 3 of Table 1 are hours thathave been credited to the particular task of the project in column 1.When the task is complete, the credited hours will equal the estimatedhours.

Table 1 represents a simple yet effective example of how the inventioncan be used by a construction project manager to evaluate labor for aconstruction project. As is readily apparent from the illustrated table,the information is brief, accurate and easy to read and analyze. In theillustrated example of Table 1, a manager can look at the estimatedlabor and the actual labor to determine the efficiencies andinefficiencies for the specified scope. If he/she determines the area tobe overly efficient, labor could possibly be directed elsewhere to cureefficiencies in other locations. Conversely, if labor is found to beinefficient in the area specified by the scope, such inefficiencies maybe addressed.

TABLE 2 Labor Status Report Reporting 5/21/00 through 6/28/00 Report6/29/00 Period Date Project 347-DF IBM Fab 8 Scope By: System; Drawing;Zone Estimated Projected Additional % Area/ Complete Estimated Hours ToHours to Hours to Credited Actual Labor Hours % System Drawing ZoneStatus Hours Complete Complete Complete Hours Hours Used Ov/Un Ov/Un CHWM-2 Mech Rm 645 22 25 22 623 702 109% 79 11% HHW M-2 Mech Rm 523 114 109409 417 80% 8 2% CDW M-2 Mech Rm 156 0 0 24 156 187 120% 31 17% CHW M-3East Wing Yes 421 0 0 421 411 98% −10 −2% HHW M-3 East Wing Yes 391 0 0391 423 108% 32 8% CHW M-4 West 488 488 488 0% 0 Wing HHW M-4 West 392392 392 0% 0 Wing Total 3016 1016 1014 46 2000 2140 66% 140 6% Hours tocomplete current productivity 1060 138 Hours to complete currentproductivity - Based on % Over/Under 1077 201 Cost Per Hour $45.00$48,463 $9,043 Estimated From Connect - Est Hours Credited FromFieldTrac Hours Actual Hours From FieldTrac Time Capture or JobCost/Payroll

Table 2 shows a labor status report, which provides a greater amount ofdetail than the labor report of Table 1. In Table 2, the user againspecifies the scope of the report. In this case, the user has chosen toview labor data by System; Drawing; Zone. As such, a report is generatedas shown in Table 2 showing all the systems, the corresponding drawingand the area or zone where the system is located.

The information provided in Table 2 displays estimated hours, actualhours and credited hours similar to Table 1. However, Table 2 providesadditional information that assists the project manager in assessing thestatus of labor for the chosen scope. Table 2 provides a completionstatus column that allows for a manager to quickly assess which areasare done and ready for billing. Table 2 also provides variousestimations and projections for the number of labor hours required tocomplete a particular system. This information allows a manager todetermine what locations still require additional labor, which allowsthe manager to take quick and decisive corrective action. In addition,the report of Table 2 provides the user with a % labor figure and %over/under figure, which gives the user a quick answer to the efficiencyfor a particular system.

TABLE 3 Labor Task Code Report Reporting 5/21/00 through 6/28/00 Report6/29/00 Period: Date: Project 347-DF IBM Fab 8 Scope By: Drawing M-2Complete Estimated Credited Actual % Hours Task Code Status Hours HoursHours Complete Ov/Un % Ov/Un Material 10 Yes 198 198 178 100% −20 −10%Distribution Hangers 20 Yes 394 394 431 100% 37 9% Layout/Inserts 21 0 00 0% 0 0% Item In Place 30 Yes 331 331 356 100% 25 8% Joint Make Up 40295 238 277 81% 39 16% Test 50 40 27 33 68% 6 0% Punch & I.D. 60 66 0 310% 31 0% Total 1324 1188 1306 90% 118 10% Credit Hours Actual Hours fromFieldTrac Time Capture or Job Cost/Payroll

Table 3 shows a labor task code report, which provides a greater amountof completion detail than the labor reports of Table 1 and Table 2. InTable 3, the user again specifies the scope of the report. In this case,the user has chosen to view labor data by a particular drawing. As such,a report is generated as shown in Table 3 showing all the Tasks fordrawing M-2 along with the corresponding task codes. The Labor Task CodeReport is another way of visually presenting the hours and completionstatus. In this case, the report shows the % complete status for theTasks of column 1 for a particular drawing. Such information is helpfulfor the manager for the purpose of quickly assessing what tasks stillneed attention.

As shown in the lower left hand corner of Table 3, the credited hours ofcolumn 5 may be obtained from a second application. Similarly, theactual hours shown in column 6 may also be captured from a second systemor application, which is shown in the illustrated example as JobCost/Payroll. As one skilled in the art can appreciate, the examplesgiven are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to therecited applications and as such any suitable application may be used inplace of the examples given.

TABLE 4 Hours To Complete Report Reporting 5/21/00 through 6/28/00Report 6/12/00 Period: Date: Project 347-DF IBM Fab 8 Scope By: DrawingM-2 Projected Complete Estimated Credited Unused Additional Hours toTask Code Status Hours Hours Hours Hours Complete Material 10 Yes 198198 0 0 0 Distribution Hangers 20 Yes 394 394 0 0 0 Layout/Inserts 21 00 0 0 0 Item In Place 30 Yes 331 331 0 0 0 Joint Make Up 40 295 238 5738 95 Test 50 40 27 13 8 21 Punch & I.D. 60 66 0 66 0 66 Total 1324 1188136 46 182 Credit Hours From FieldTrac Actual Hours From FieldTrac TimeCapture or Job Cost/Payroll

Table 4 illustrates the same information as Table 1, with the additionof unused hours for a particular task as well as projected additionalhours for a task. The user has selected to view the information bydrawing M-2, but other scopes may be chosen as well. The information ofTable 4 allows a construction manager to assess over/under labor hours.As such, the manager can catch the efficiencies or inefficiencies earlyenough to rectify the potential problem.

TABLE 5 Work In Place (WIP) Report Reporting 5/21/00 through 6/28/00Report 6/29/00 Period Date Project 347-DF IBM Fab 8 Scope By: AllDrawings Complete Estimated Credited Actual % Drawing Status Hours HoursHours Complete M-1 723 629 705 87% M-2 1324 1188 1306 90% M-3 Yes 812812 187 100% M-4 880 0 0 0% M-5 478 196 215 41% M-6 488 0% M-7 392 0%Total 5097 2825 2413 55% Credit Hours From FieldTrac Actual Hours FromFieldTrac Time Capture or Job Cost/Payroll

Table 5 illustrates a WIP report, which provides a quick view of thecompletion status for the various construction items. In the illustratedexample, all the drawings for the construction project are shown. Thescope of the table may be changed to view particular locations or groupsof construction items.

There are numerous additional filters that are not illustrated but areequally as effective for displaying data. The additional examples arenot shown for sake of brevity, but one skilled in the art could listnumerous combinations of scope, items and the corresponding informationto view in a report.

Material Tracking

The invention further provides material tracking for the materials usedfor the construction project. For example, material information relatingto the type of item to be installed is received and stored by a materialmodule. The module of the invention thereafter provides techniques forconveniently tracking the material from ordering through installationand billing.

More particularly, the material module allows a contractor to trackmaterial delivery status from an electronic drawing. Specific materialinformation associated with each item, such as a bar code, a materialitem identifier and the like is entered into the system. A contractorcan order material items by simply selecting any intelligent item orgroup of intelligent items from the electronic drawing. In oneembodiment, the module is integrated with a purchase order softwarepackage that generates an order when intelligent items are selected.

In one embodiment, a contractor may enter information into a drop-downpick list to update material status. First, a contractor selects amaterial status from a material status menu. The selection of a materialstatus generates a drop-down pick list. The drop-down pick list displaysthe filtering options available to further specify the identity andlocation for the material status. Once the contractor has defined thearea, and specified the material status, the invention automaticallyupdates the information associated with the respective intelligentobject(s). In response, the electronic drawing is updated showing thecurrent status for the flagged items. In one embodiment, the items in anelectronic drawing are color coded according to their status.

In another embodiment, when materials are received, the correspondingbar code is scanned by a bar code scanner or other methods of flagging.The status information is automatically sent to the material module. Theprocessor may be used to update the information, which is reflected inthe electronic drawing. A quick visual inspection of the electronicdrawing provides simple and up-to-date information regarding materialstatus. As one skilled in the art can appreciate, other methods ofcapturing material status may be used without departing from theintended scope of the invention.

For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a typical material control drawing 201having several construction items 200 in accordance with the invention.The drawing is shown as being color (or shaded) coded with flagged taskidentifiers to display the material status for various intelligentobjects. In the illustrated embodiment, the legend for the taskidentifiers 210 is in the lower left hand corner. Legend 210 quicklygives a user the necessary information to associate a color with amaterial status for an intelligent object 200. For example, legend 210may indicate items that are on back order or items that have beendamaged. The status may easily be displayed because each item is anintelligent object having the associated status information.

FIG. 6( a) shows a material status menu 202 listing various materialstatus options. Typically, material status menu 202 is generated inresponse to selecting a material status option from material controldrawing 201. In one embodiment, the material status option is anintelligent button 203, shown in FIG. 6, that displays the materialstatus menu 202 in response to a user selection. Material status menu202 lists a material status list 205 with a corresponding selectionmeans 204, such as an intelligent button or the like. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 6( a), five status options are shown. Continuing withthe illustrated example, the contractor selects one of the five optionswhen the material status changes.

FIG. 6( a) illustrates a drop-down pick list 206 displayed in responseto a contractor selecting a status item listed in material status list205 from material status menu 202. Drop-down pick list 206 allows thecontractor to pin-point the exact location of the updated materialstatus. Pick list 206 provides a “filter by” option to identify thegeneral location of the material status update. In the illustratedexample, a user may select a location such as a drawing, floor, line,system or zone to name a few. One or more filtering options may beselected.

Continuing, FIG. 6( a) illustrates a second menu 207 generated inresponse to a contractor choosing a “filter by” option from drop-downpick list 206. The second menu further specifies and defines the “filterby” choice from drop-down pick list 207. In the illustrated example, thegeneral location “drawing” is chosen from pick list 206. In response,second menu 207 requests entry of the specific drawing for the updatedmaterial status.

As shown in FIG. 6( a), a second menu 208, 209 may be generated anddisplayed for each “filter by” option selected from drop-down pick list206. The general location “system” is selected from pick list 206.Second menu 208 requests entry of the specific system for the updatedmaterial status information. Continuing, the general location “zone” isselected from pick list 206. In response, second menu 209 is generatedrequesting entry of the particular zone for the updated material statusinformation. In accordance with the present invention, more than one“filter by” option may be selected and further scoped to accuratelyspecify the location of the updated material status information.

For example, assume that valves have been received for drawing M-1 forthe chill water system in the mechanical room. The contractor firstselects the received option from material status menu 202. Next, thecontractor defines the area where the valves are to be installed. Forthe current example, the contractor selects drawing, system and zonefrom the drop-down pick list. In response, a second menu is displayedfor each selection in material status menu 206. The contractor selectsdrawing M-1, CHW (chill water) and Mech Room (mechanical room) from thecorresponding second menu options. When the contractor is satisfied thedesignated area is properly defined using selection status menu 206, theprocessor updates the association data. In this case, the processorsearches and locates all valves in this defined area and updates theintelligent objects to indicate they are received. The identifiers onthe electronic drawing are updated and color coded accordingly toreflect the change in material status.

The user may order the material shown on the material control drawing201 simply by clicking a mouse on a construction item, drawing a boxaround construction items to be ordered, specifying a start point and anend point in a run of material or the like. The information is sent toan ordering system that places the material order.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of how various reports relating tomaterial may be generated for the items displayed in FIG. 6. FIG. 7illustrates how a report may be generated using a graphical userinterface 220 having various places to enter data and specifyparameters. For example, for each item in column 270, the ordered andnot ordered data may be entered as shown in columns 240 and 250. Inanother embodiment, material information can be acquired and enteredfrom a bar code scanner. A scanner identifies the material and thenallows for a user to enter the status information into the scanningdevice. This information is then stored on a computer readable mediumfor future use.

In addition, a user is given various choices to further narrow how areport is displayed. For example, a scope region 280 may be chosen by auser, and may designate a drawing number, a room, a particular groupingof construction items or the like. An item filter 260 may be used toshow all items or any chosen subset of items. A status filter 290indicates the type of material status report the user wants to generate.In the illustrated example, a user has chosen to illustrate allmaterials ordered but not received, however, any number of statusfilters may be used.

TABLE 6 Material Not Received Report Reporting Date: 6/24/00 StatusFilter: Not Received Item Filter: All Scope: Drawing M-2 Not On BackItem Line # Ordered Ordered Hold Released Received Ordered Damaged 6″Nibco Valve 248 17954A Yes 4″ Nibco Valve 311 17954A Yes 6 × 6 × 4 Tee346 Yes 6 × 6 × 3 Tee 386 Yes 8″ Elbow 429 1854A Yes CHJ-1 Trane 12382147A Yes Chiller Data Link to Purchase Order Module

Table 6 illustrates an example of a report showing materials that havenot been received. The chosen scope for the illustrated example isdrawing M-2. The chosen status filter is “not received” and the itemfilter is set to “all items.” Any number of combinations are availableto the user. As shown, status information for the various items incolumn 1 that have not been received are displayed. The constructionmanager can analyze the various columns to determine the status of theparticular item.

TABLE 7 Material Ordered Report Report Date: 7/23/00 Status Filter:Ordered Item Filter: Valves Scope: Drawing M-2 Date Scheduled ShippingItem Line # P.O. Number Ordered Shipping Date Carrier Number 6″ NibcoValve 248 17954A 6/14/00 7/24/00 4″ Nibco Valve 311 17954A 6/14/007/24/00 Roadway 283976- FL Data Link to Purchase Order Module

Table 7 is a detailed example of a material ordered report. The user hasspecified all valves that have been ordered for drawing M-2. As such,the information returned provides information such as order date,scheduled shipping date, carrier information and shipping number, ifavailable, and the like.

TABLE 8 Material Work In Place (WIP) Report Date: 8/09/2000 StatusFilter: Completed Item Filter: All Scope: Drawing M-2 Billing BillingW.I.P. Billing Billing Billing Item Line # Received Storage DateCompleted W.I.P. Date Retention Date 4″ 90 Carbon 26 5/23/00 $17.005/30/00 7/16/00 $32.30 7/30/00 Steel 4″ Carbon 127 5/23/00 $36.005/30/00 7/16/00 $68.40 7/30/00 Steel Pipe 4″ Weldneck 128 6/11/00 $76.006/30/00 7/16/00 $144.40 7/30/00 Flange 4″ Nibco 129 6/12/00 $456.006/30/00 7/16/00 $866.40 7/30/00 Valve 4″ Weldneck 130 6/11/00 $76.006/30/00 7/17/00 $144.40 7/30/00 Flange 4″ Carbon 131 5/23/00 $36.005/30/00 7/17/00 $68.40 7/30/00 Steel Pipe 4″ 90 Carbon 132 5/23/00$36.00 5/30/00 7/17/00 $68.40 7/30/00 Steel Total To Date $733.00$1,392.70 Labor Task Code - Action Billing Module Data Link to PurchaseOrder Module

Table 8 shows material work in place (WIP), which is important forbilling purposes. Once material has been received on the job site, it isdesirable to transfer the cost to the project. The above example showsall items that have been completed for drawing M-2. Two columns areimportant on this table, the received date and the WIP completed date.If the item is received, storage costs should be billed to the project.Then, once the item is completed, as indicated by the WIP completiondate, the cost of the material including associated labor should bebilled. As such, the construction project manager can quickly scan thistable to make sure the costs are being billed to the appropriatelocations at the appropriate times.

It should be appreciated that the information illustrated in a generatedreport for both labor and materials is the same as the informationrepresented visually in a drawing. More particularly, the informationshown in a generated table may also be visually represented as a colorcoded object on a drawing. For example, a contractor may generate areport on areas that are over or under on labor. In response togenerating a report, the visual on-screen representation of the sameinformation is updated as well. A contractor may then page throughvarious on-screen drawings while simultaneously evaluating correspondinghard copies of generated reports.

Schedule Tracking

The invention further provides schedule tracking for allocating laborand materials in response to start dates and completion dates. Forexample, at the beginning of a construction project, dates aretentatively set for the completion of various phases of the constructionproject and entered into a scheduling module. The module of theinvention provides techniques for recognizing scheduling problems, forexample late materials shipments and labor overruns. In response to theproblems, the module automatically updates any scheduling information inresponse to any delays.

Currently, scheduling for a construction project is difficult and timeconsuming since available methods rely upon imperfect and sometimesinaccurate information. The present invention automatically updatesscheduling information based on both accurate labor and materialsinformation entered into the system. Therefore, the scheduling of thepresent invention is generated from up-to-date and highly accurateinformation, which allows a contractor to be reasonably assured thatdecisions are based on sound data.

FIG. 8 illustrates a typical schedule control drawing 301 having severalconstruction items 300, 310 in accordance with the present invention.The drawing is shown as being color (or shaded) coded with flagged taskidentifiers to display the scheduling status for various intelligentobjects. This is possible because each item is an intelligent object. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the legend for the task identifiers 320 isin the lower left hand corner. Legend 320 quickly gives a user thenecessary information to associate a color (or shade) with a schedulestatus for an intelligent objects 310 and 320. Legend 320 includes a“start by date” category and a “complete by date” category. In oneembodiment, a schedule status option is an intelligent button 303 thatdisplays a scheduling status menu in response to a user selection. Thescheduling status menu is not illustrated but operates in much the samemanner as the material status update menu described previously.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of one technique for producing reports andfor associating scheduled completion dates and actual completion dateswith the items of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 includes a graphical user interface 330having various places to enter data and specify parameters. For example,for each item in row 380, the start date and scheduled completion datesmay be entered as shown in columns 340 and 350. The actual completiondate is entered in column 360. This information is then stored on acomputer readable medium for future use. Scheduled completion date 350may be automatically updated according to information received from thelabor and materials modules. For example, an entry into the labor modulethat indicates work has begun in a particular location automaticallyupdates the start date. Also, an entry into the materials module thatindicates an item on back order automatically updates the scheduledcompletion date if the anticipated receipt date is beyond the originalscheduled completion date.

In addition, a user is given various choices to further narrow how areport is displayed. For example, a scope region 390 may be chosen by auser, and may designate a drawing number, a room, a particular groupingof construction items or the like. An item filter 370 may be used toshow all items or any chosen subset of said items. A report filter 395indicates the type of dates the user wants to generate. In theillustrated example, a user has chosen to illustrate all schedule dates,however, any number of status filters may be used.

TABLE 9 Schedule Reporting Date: 6/24/2000 Scope: Drawing M-2: CHW: MechRm Report Filter: Item Filter: Schedule Dates All Tasks ScheduledCompletion Completed Schedule Start Date Date Date Marital 6/12/006/14/00 6/15/00 Distribution Hangers 6/29/00 7/2/00 7/5/00Layout/Inserts Item in Place 7/18/00 7/28/00 7/26/00 Joint Make Up7/19/00 7/29/00 8/3/00 Test 11/26/00 12/14/00 Punch & I.D. 5/11/20016/1/01

Table 9 shows an example of a report generated for schedule information.This simple report illustrates the start date, the scheduled completiondate and the completion date for the various phases of materialinstallation.

TABLE 10 Schedule Completion Reporting Date: 6/24/2000 Scope: ItemFilter: System; Areas Report Filter: Completion Date All Tasks FilterDate: 6/2700 Scheduled Hours Start Completion System Areas Task CompleteDate Date CHW Mech Rm Hangers 86 6/2/00 6/14/00 HHW Mech Rm Item InPlace 253 5/21/00 6/17/00 CDW Mech Rm Joint Make Up 189 5/12/00 6/14/00CHW East Wing Hangers 64 6/15/00 6/23/00 HHW East Wing Joint Make Up 1475/23/00 6/12/00

Table 10 illustrates how a contractor can further define the filterinformation to obtain a greater amount of detailed information. Thisparticular example shows the tasks for a defined area. The report givesthe hours completed for the task, as well as the start date and thescheduled completion date. Scheduling reports provide a quick and easydetermination of the progress of a construction project.

The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Manyvariations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the inventionshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but instead should be determined with reference to theappended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

1. A method of tracking and evaluating a construction project, themethod employing a computer having a display screen, an entry device anda processor, the processor being coupled to said display screen, themethod comprising: providing a drawing, said drawing comprising visualrepresentations of construction items; providing an emissive tagassociated with at least one construction item; acquiring informationfrom said emissive tag; and displaying said drawing and said informationon said display screen.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said emissivetag comprises a radio frequency identification tag.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said information comprises labor status information. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein said information comprises materialstatus information.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said emissive tagincludes read/write memory.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprisingentering into said emissive tag information comprising actual labor usedto install a construction item.
 7. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising entering into said emissive tag, information comprising teststatus information relating to the construction item associated with theemissive tag.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating apositioning system with the emissive tag.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein acquiring information includes determining the location of theat least one construction item associated with the emissive tag.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein acquiring information includes scanninginformation from a shipment comprising a plurality of constructionitems.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein acquiring information includesdetermining the installation status of one or more construction items.12. The method of claim 1, wherein acquiring information includesdetermining the installation status of a plurality of construction itemsin a construction area substantially simultaneously.
 13. The method ofclaim 1, wherein acquiring information includes scanning informationfrom the emissive tag associated with a construction item as theconstruction item enters or leaves a warehouse.
 14. The method of claim1, further comprising processing the information in a computingenvironment, wherein the computing environment includes an electronicrepresentation of the drawing, and wherein the electronic representationof the drawing comprises one or more intelligent objects.
 15. A systemfor tracking and evaluating a construction project, comprising: aprocessor; a display screen coupled to the processor; an entry deviceconfigured to enter information into the processor; and an emissive tagreader configured to provide information to the processor wherein theprocessor is configured to: receive information that defines aconstruction project comprising a plurality of construction items;configure an electronic drawing based on the information, the electronicdrawing comprising at least one intelligent object and visualrepresentations of the plurality of construction items; receiveconstruction project status information, via the emissive tag reader,from one or more emissive tags, each emissive tag being associated withone of the plurality of construction items; and display the electronicdrawing and the construction project status information on said displayscreen.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein said emissive tag comprisesa radio frequency identification tag.
 17. The system of claim 15,wherein said construction project status information comprises theactual labor used to install a particular construction item.
 18. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein said construction project status informationcomprises the installation status of at least one construction item. 19.The system of claim 15, wherein said construction project statusinformation comprises the location of a particular construction item.20. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructionsfor performing a method comprising: receiving information that defines aconstruction project comprising a plurality of construction items;configuring an electronic drawing based on the information, theelectronic drawing comprising at least one intelligent object and visualrepresentations of the plurality of construction items; receivingconstruction project status information, via the emissive tag reader,from one or more emissive tags, each emissive tag being associated withone of the plurality of construction items; and displaying theelectronic drawing and the construction project status information onsaid display screen.